Bergen

Scenic view of Bryggen's historic wharf with boats in Bergen, Norway on a cloudy day.
Jonathan Borba, Pexels

Bergen, a city nestled among seven mountains and at the gateway to Norway's iconic fjords, offers a distinct blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors will find a charming city with a unique local identity, serving as an ideal base for exploring majestic fjord landscapes and engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits.

For those seeking social interaction, the historic Bryggen area provides a lively atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and bars where locals and tourists often gather. The Skostredet district is known for its casual, retro vibe, featuring niche shops, galleries, and an active bar and restaurant scene. Budget-friendly hostels in the city also offer communal spaces and sometimes organized activities, fostering connections among backpackers and solo travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in Bergen

Experiences in Bergen encompass panoramic mountain views, historical explorations of a UNESCO World Heritage site, cultural immersion at art museums, and scenic fjord cruises.

1. Ascend Mount Fløyen via Fløibanen Funicular

One can ascend Mount Fløyen, one of Bergen's seven mountains, using the Fløibanen Funicular for a quick and scenic journey. From the summit, panoramic views of the city, its harbor, and the surrounding fjords unfold. At the top, visitors will find walking and hiking trails, a playground, a troll forest, and cafes. It is a perfect spot for capturing iconic photographs of Bergen.

Cost: A return ticket for adults typically costs NOK 190 during summer (April 1 - September 30) and NOK 140 during winter (October 1 - March 31). For children (4-15 years), a return ticket is NOK 95 in summer and NOK 70 in winter. Children under 4 travel free. The Bergen Card offers a 50% discount on return tickets. Tickets can be purchased online, via the Fløibanen app, at ticket machines, or at the lower station ticket office.

Transport: The Fløibanen Funicular's lower station is centrally located in Bergen, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Fish Market, making it easily accessible on foot.

2. Experience Mount Ulriken via Ulriken Cable Car

Mount Ulriken, Bergen's highest mountain at 643 meters (2,110 feet) above sea level, offers exhilarating views of the city, fjords, and coastline. The Ulriken Cable Car provides a swift ascent, allowing access to well-marked hiking trails for various fitness levels at the top. Visitors can also enjoy dining at the summit's restaurant or café.

Cost: A round-trip ticket for adults costs NOK 415, and for children, it is NOK 170. A family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children) is available for NOK 990. Tickets can be purchased at the cable car station or online.

Transport: One can reach the Ulriken Cable Car by taking the Ulriken Express shuttle bus from the city center (near the Tourist Information or Torgallmenningen 1A) for approximately NOK 135 return for adults during the summer season. Alternatively, use the Bybanen (Bergen Light Rail) Line 2 to Haukeland Sykehus, followed by a 9-10 minute uphill walk to the cable car station.

3. Explore Historic Bryggen Wharf

Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by its iconic colorful wooden buildings lining the harbor. Strolling through its narrow, crooked alleyways reveals a glimpse into Bergen's Hanseatic past. The area now houses artisan shops, galleries, and cozy cafes.

Cost: Exploring the Bryggen area itself is free. Guided walking tours focusing on Bryggen's history are available, with prices around NOK 290 for adults (plus booking fee). Admission to the Hanseatic Museum, located within Bryggen, typically includes a guided tour.

Transport: Bryggen is located in the heart of Bergen's city center and is easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations and attractions.

4. Discover KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes

KODE is one of the largest art, craft, design, and music museums in the Nordic region, comprising four art museums in Bergen city center and three composer homes outside. Visitors can explore a vast collection ranging from historical to contemporary art, including works by Edvard Munch, and delve into the lives of famous Norwegian composers like Edvard Grieg at Troldhaugen.

Cost: Admission for adults is approximately NOK 175, granting same-day entry to all four city center art museums. Children under 18 years enter for free. The Bergen Card provides free admission from October to April and a 25% discount from May to September.

Transport: The KODE art museums are conveniently located in Bergen's city center, near Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake, and are within walking distance of Festplassen, the railway station, bus station, and the Byparken and Nonneseter Light Rail stops.

5. Embark on a Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen

Taking a fjord cruise from Bergen is an essential experience, highlighting why the city is known as the 'Gateway to the Fjords'. The popular half-day Mostraumen Fjord Cruise ventures through the Western Osterfjord, showcasing dramatic landscapes with steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This journey offers a taste of Norway's renowned fjord scenery, with opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Cost: Prices for fjord cruises vary. A half-day cruise to Mostraumen can range from approximately $28.95 USD (~NOK 315) for shorter options to higher prices for more comprehensive tours. Longer, guided fjord and glacier tours can start from NOK 2,510 per person.

Transport: Fjord cruises typically depart from central Bergen, often near the Fish Market or Bryggen Wharf, making them easily accessible on foot.

6. Visit the Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget)

The historic Fish Market, or Fisketorget, offers a vibrant sensory experience where visitors can observe local merchants selling their fresh catches of the day, a tradition spanning centuries. Beyond fresh seafood, the market also features local delicacies and souvenirs. It's an excellent place to sample freshly caught shrimp, salmon, king crab, and other Norwegian specialties.

Cost: Entrance to the Fish Market is free. Costs are incurred based on any food or souvenirs purchased.

Transport: The Fish Market is situated prominently at the waterfront in Bergen's city center, a short walk from Bryggen and other key attractions.

Check out our other pages on Bergen

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Norway

Central Norway
Northern Norway
Southern & Fjord Norway